I am writing to inform you of the outcome of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) review of Nevada’s guidelines for teacher and principal evaluation and support systems. During the week of July 16, 2012, two peer experts reviewed Nevada’s guidelines. ED staff also reviewed Nevada’s submission and both peers and ED provided feedback to Nevada regarding its submission.

Based on the review of Nevada’s guidelines and the information that Nevada provided to ED on both September 25, 2012 and February 2, 2013 in response to peer and ED feedback, it is determined that Nevada meets the Principle 3 requirements for ESEA flexibility. I congratulate you on submitting guidelines and a process for ensuring that each district in Nevada develops, adopts, pilots, and implements teacher and principal evaluation and support systems consistent with those guidelines, both of which reaffirm Nevada’s commitment to improving academic achievement and the quality of instruction for all of the State’s elementary and secondary school students.

Please note that, although Principle 3 of Nevada’s ESEA flexibility request meets all requirements for that principle, the approval of Nevada’s request remains conditioned on Nevada’s submitting to ED for review and approval an amended request incorporating the final version of the new index, including the attachment of any technical documentation, administrative rules, and other relevant information and sample NSPF reports. If Nevada satisfies that condition, it may request an extension of the approval of its flexibility request, as indicated in my August 8, 2012 letter approving Nevada’s request. In the meantime, ED will continue to monitor Nevada’s implementation of ESEA flexibility, including the implementation of evaluation and support systems consistent with Nevada’s guidelines.

While ED understands and expects that Nevada may make changes to its guidelines in an effort to continuously improve its evaluation and support systems, Nevada should ensure that any such changes are consistent with Principle 3 of ESEA flexibility by consulting with ED. Depending on the nature and extent of such changes, Nevada may need to submit a request to amend its approved ESEA flexibility request. If you have any questions regarding the amendment process or anything else related to Nevada’s implementation of ESEA flexibility, please contact Leslie Clithero at 202-260-1840 or leslie.clithero@ed.gov, or Victoria Hammer at 202-260-1438 or victoria.hammer@ed.gov.

A copy of Nevada’s approved request for ESEA flexibility, including its guidelines for teacher and principal evaluation and support systems, will be posted on ED’s web site at: www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/esea-flexibility/index.html. I congratulate you on developing guidelines for teacher and principal evaluation and support systems that meet the requirements of ESEA flexibility and thank you for the work that you and your staff have done.

I look forward to continuing to support the State as you implement Nevada’s ESEA flexibility request and work to improve the quality of instruction and academic achievement for all students.
Thank you for your commitment to all students in Nevada.